
Want to read something fun, sexy and romantic? Here are three love stories that won the Love & Laughter award from Romantic Times:
First Star I See Tonight by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Cooper is a retired football player who is still driven to win in any situation. Piper is a private investigator trying to prove herself and she can never back down. She’s hired to follow Cooper but soon she’s protecting him from harm, sabotage and zealous fans. Their relationship is shaped by challenge and competition when they need to work as a team.
Amazon, Kobo, Booklist and iBooks Australia named this book as one of the best romances of 2016. The story also won the Romantic Times award that year for Contemporary Love & Laughter. First Star I See Tonight is a steamy and fun read. When Cooper and Piper are together, the sparks fly as fast as the wisecracks.
One in a Million by Jill Shalvis
Callie is a virtual wedding planner and designs wedding websites but she doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after. Years ago she had been left at the altar and she’s not interested in love, knowing that it doesn’t last. But it’s hard to remember that whenever she’s near Tanner, a smoking hot single dad who takes care of everyone in his life. Callie doesn’t want a relationship and swears falling into bed with Tanner—again and again and again—will not change her mind.
Winner of both the Romantic Times Award for Love & Laughter and the RITA for Mid-Length Contemporary Romance, One in a Million is a funny and heartwarming small town romance. Everyone from the matchmaking friends to the troublemaking grandmother adds another level of entertainment to this sexy and romantic story.
Playing With Fire by Kate Meader
Alexandra is a firefighter who has had many confrontations with Eli, the sexy mayor. He’s a smooth talker and she’s known for her sassy mouth. They don’t see eye-to-eye on many things, but after saving each other during a fire, circumstances require them to fake a relationship before the next mayoral election.
Playing with Fire is part of Kate Meader’s Hot in Chicago series and this story is all about the dialogue. The chemistry crackles between Eli and Alexandra! Not only did it win Romantic Times‘ Contemporary Love and Laughter award in 2015, but it was also named one of the best romances of the year by Washington Post and one of the best books of the year by Publishers Weekly. Don’t miss this one!

Recommended Reading List
In addition to the books mentioned above, enjoy these romantic comedies:
- Accidental Tryst by Natasha Boyd: In this light and entertaining read, Emmy accidentally picked up the wrong cell phone at an airport charge station. She’s finding out a lot about the man Trystan from his phone apps. Unfortunately, he grabbed her phone by mistake and is finding out a lot about her!
- Advanced Physical Chemistry by Susannah Nix: Can a nurturing woman who goes all-in with romantic relationships have a no-commitment fling? Penny thinks she can even when she has no empirical evidence to back up the hypothesis. But she’s determined to change her dating habits in this delightful romantic comedy.
- Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie: An offbeat romantic comedy about two cautious people who think falling in love is the ultimate risk. Unfortunately, they are surrounded by infatuated couples, weddings and fairy tales!
- Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey: Georgie needs to be taken seriously and Travis must acquire a family-friendly reputation. So they decide to fake date to change public perception. This best friend’s little sister romantic comedy is sweet, dirty and filled with swoon-worthy moments.
- The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren: Two workplace rivals must work together to survive a publicity tour with their squabbling married bosses.
- Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren: In this laugh-out-loud opposite attract romance, Hazel and Josh become unlikely best friends. The breezy romantic comedy is about unconditional love and acceptance.
- The Marriage Game by Sara Desai: This love story is hot, fun and a little bit zany. Fans of the hating-to-dating trope will enjoy this fast-paced romantic comedy.
- Must Love Coffee by Sarah Mayberry: Daniel and Cassidy are recovering from personal losses and they find a distraction they didn’t know they needed. Suddenly they’re battling it out to be named best customer at their favorite coffee shop. The novella has a kick of heat but it’s all about the meet cute in this romantic comedy.
- Not Another Bad Date by Rachel Gibson: Adele hasn’t had a good date in three years and she’s beginning to think she’s cursed. Then the Fates seem to level up their special brand of torture when she bumps into Zack, her first love who broke her heart. The author’s clever storytelling makes this sexy romance a fun and relaxing treat.
- Playing for Keeps by Jill Shalvis: Sadie and Caleb have always been prickly with each other until they rescue a three-legged dog. Readers are going to love the funny one-liners, the sensual moments and the tender intimacy that develops between the hero and heroine.
- The Roommate by Rosie Danan: A sheltered debutante accidentally becomes roommates with a popular adult entertainer.
- Tool of Engagement by Tessa Bailey: A drifter with no close family ties, Wes thinks it’s easier to let people pass in and out of his life instead of trying to hold onto them. That changes when he meets Bethany, his work nemesis, and is suddenly the guardian of his niece.
- The Trouble with Mojitos by Romy Sommer: Determined not to screw up a work assignment in the Caribbean, a woman must rely on a mysterious adventurer who turns out to be a prince in exile.
- Trust Me on This by Jennifer Crusie: Originally published in 1997, this screwball comedy has a lot of oomph. Expect witty repartee, mistaken identities and a whirlwind romance. The secondary love story with the older couple is a wonderful bonus.
- Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey: In this sweet love story, Annie adores romantic comedies and is waiting for her own swoon-worthy romance to happen when she gets to work behind the scenes of a rom-com. She doesn’t think the Hollywood actor who’s playing the romantic lead is suited for the role. He’s no Tom Hanks… but he just might be her Mr. Right.
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